The study hypothesis is that high lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant defenses characterize the natural history of Alzheimer's disease.

The purpose of this study is to investigate susceptibility to photo-oxidation of isolated erythrocyte membranes, in patients affected by Alzheimer's disease and age- and sex-matched, non demented subjects.

It will be evaluated the release of malondialdehyde (MDA) from photo-oxidized erythrocyte ghosts, through a very easy and convenient procedure for the preparation of erythrocyte membrane samples.

Induction of oxidative stress through ultraviolet rays, unlike that obtained by chemical oxidizing agents, has the advantage to be fully controllable, since it produces effects only during irradiation. Moreover, use of isolated erythrocyte membranes allows for greater specificity in the evaluation of MDA produced, and reduces the amount of blood required for the assay.

Malondialdehyde assay [ Time Frame: At the time of recruitment ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Isolated and purified red blood cell membranes will be in vitro exposed to oxidative stress by UV-B radiation. The extent of cell membrane damage will be quantified by the fluorometric determination of malondialdehyde.

Secondary Outcome Measures:

Relationship between urinary excretion of cortisol and levels of malondialdehyde [ Time Frame: At the time of recruitment ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis has been frequently described in Alzheimer's disease. Recently published work reported an association between high secretion of cortisol and oxidative stress. We will investigate the relationship between 24 h excretion of urinary cortisol and the level of malondialdehyde, produced by isolated and purified red blood cell membranes, in vitro exposed to oxidative stress by UV-B radiation.

Patients meeting NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for Alzheimer's disease and age- / sex-matched elderly subjects without dementia, will be recruited from those referring neurologists or geriatricians on an outpatient basis

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Outpatients of both sexes diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria.

Age and sex-matched elderly subjects without dementia.

Exclusion Criteria:

Recent neoplasia (< 1 year)

Vitamin B12 deficiency, positive serology for syphilis, thyroid function abnormalities considered to be significant by the care provider.

Use of vitamin or mineral supplements.

Diagnosis of malnutrition (based on body mass index and total protein levels)

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01707719